Draft preview: Wide receivers

The Rock Hill, S.C., native is widely regarded as the top wide receiver available... Started his career in junior college before transferring to Tennessee for the 2012 season, where he posted 46 catches for 778 yards and five touchdowns.... Also ran the ball 25 times for 308 yards and three touchdowns as a Volunteer... Physicality and game-breaking ability after the catch have put Patterson in position to likely be drafted in the middle of round one.

Keenan Allen6-2, 206 pounds, California

The Greensboro, N.C., native was a three-year starter for California and led the Bears in receiving the past two seasons... Produced a tremendous 2011 campaign, recording 98 catches for 1,343 yards and six touchdowns... Followed that up with 61 catches for 737 yards and six scores in 2012... Another big target with explosiveness, Allen is projected to become a first- or second-round pick.

Tavon Austin5-9, 174 pounds, West Virginia

Austin is arguably the most dynamic athlete in the draft... Smaller than the other top receiver prospects but proved to be a matchup nightmare with his elite speed and quickness as a wide receiver and running back for the Mountaineers... Recorded 114 catches for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior... Also ran for 643 yards and three scores, including 334 yards and two scores against Oklahoma... Austin is expected to be a first- or second-round pick.

Quinton Patton6-0, 204 pounds, Louisiana Tech

Patton excelled in his two seasons at Louisiana Tech after transferring from community college... Recorded 79 catches for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011... Produced even gaudier numbers in 2012 to lead the WAC in every major receiving category with 104 catches, 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns... Patton is projected to be drafted in the second round.

DeAndre Hopkins6-1, 214 pounds, Clemson

Hopkins exploded onto the national scene with a huge junior season in 2012 – 82 catches for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns... His 18 receiving touchdowns were second only to West Virginia's Stedman Bailey (25)... Finished his outstanding three-year career with 206 receptions, 3,020 yards and 27 touchdowns... Regarded as a late first- or early second-round pick.

COMBINE STANDOUTS

Marquise Goodwin5-9, 183 pounds, Texas

Goodwin – a mid-round projection – was No. 1 among all combine participants with a 4.27 40-yard dash.

T.J. Moe6-0, 204 pounds, Missouri

Moe was a true combine standout. The late-round projection was first among wide receivers in four events – 26 bench press reps, a 3.96 20-yard shuttle, a 10.87 60-yard shuttle and a 6.53 three-cone drill.

Justin Hunter6-4, 196 pounds, Tennessee

Hunter – a second-round projection – produced an 11-4 broad jump (second best overall) and tied for first place among wideouts with a 39.5-inch vertical jump.